BRICS voices concern over terror groups including those in Pak

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The BRICS on Monday voiced serious concern over violence perpetrated by terror groups like the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Pakistan-based LeT and JeM besides calling for expeditious adoption of a global convention by the UN to deal with the menace.

In what will be seen as a big setback for Pakistan, BRICS countries have expressed strong concern over terror groups harboured by India's neighbour. In a declaration, the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China- South Africa) have called upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism including countering radicalisation and blocking terror financing sources. The grouping expressed concern over the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, Al-Qaida, Haqqani network among others. Notedly the list also names Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The names of Pakistan sponsored groups will be seen as a big diplomatic achievement for India. Notably it is the designation of Masood Azhar, the infamous Jaish Cheif, as a global terrorist, that China has been blocking at United Nations.

The statement also mentioned terror groups like the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Tehrik-i-Taliban and Hizb ut-Tahrir. "We call for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by the United Nations General Assembly," the BRICS said.

The BRICS also called upon the international community to establish a "genuinely broad" international counter-terrorism coalition and support the UN's central coordinating role in this regard. "We stress that the fight against terrorism must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, international refugee and humanitarian law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.” We reaffirm our commitment on increasing the effectiveness of the UN counter-terrorism framework, including in the areas of cooperation and coordination among the relevant UN entities, designation of terrorists and terrorist groups and technical assistance to the Members States," the declaration said.